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Proton says 2026 Q1 sales hit highest level since 2004, driven by EV growth
KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 — National carmaker Proton said its total sales for the first quarter of 2026 reached their highest level since 2004, supported by strong demand across both internal combustion engine (ICE) and new energy vehicle segments. In
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Middle East conflict drives up costs, force route changes for Malaysian Aviation Group despite strong demand
KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 2 — Tensions in the Middle East have driven up fuel costs, extended flight times and disrupted routes for Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG), underscoring the challenges facing airlines despite strong demand growth across the Asia-Pacific (Apac) region.
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Hopes dim for swift end to Iran war as markets roil after Trump speech, oil spikes
WASHINGTON, April 2 — Hopes for a swift end to the Middle East war faded today after US President Donald Trump vowed more aggressive strikes on Iran, in an eagerly anticipated address that disappointed investors hoping for clearer signals of
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World Bank ‘extremely concerned’ over economic fallout of Iran conflict, warning of inflation, jobs and food security risks
WASHINGTON, April 2 — The World Bank is “extremely concerned” about the effect the war on Iran will have on inflation, jobs and food security, and is in talks with member states on how to address immediate needs in the
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Global factory costs surge as Iran war disrupts supply chains
LONDON, April 1 — Factories across the world faced soaring input costs and supply chain disruptions in March due to the Iran war as underlying tepid demand threatened to undermine the manufacturing sector’s fragile recovery, surveys showed. The conflict has
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Aussie retailer Cotton On denies exiting Asia, confirms Malaysia and Singapore stores unaffected by holding company liquidation
KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — Australian fashion and lifestyle retailer Cotton On has dismissed reports that it is exiting Asia, clarifying that the liquidation of one of its entities, Cotton On Asia Pte Ltd, has no impact on its retail
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OpenAI raises US$122b, company now worth US$852b
SAN FRANCISCO, April 1 — OpenAI yesterday said that the startup was valued at US$852 billion (about RM3.44 trillion) in a freshly closed funding round that raised US$122 billion (about RM493 billion). The eye-watering level of funding came in higher
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Bursa Malaysia edges up on potential de-escalation of Middle East conflict
KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — Bursa Malaysia opened higher today, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street, as investor sentiment improved on expectations that the West Asia conflict may ease soon. At 9.23am, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increased
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Malaysia’s manufacturing sector rebounds in March, but war-driven inflation hits 45-month high
KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — Malaysia’s manufacturing sector returned to growth in March for the first time in two months, but this positive development was overshadowed by severe inflationary pressures and weakening business confidence directly linked to the war in
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Ringgit opens higher as hopes of US exit from Iran lifts sentiment
KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar today as global sentiment improved on hopes that the US may be leaving Iran in a matter of weeks. At 8am, the local currency climbed to 4.0200/0400
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